Jobs for 16

[markymark2000]

I am a 16 year old and I am looking for any sort of railway job with the exception of cleaning. I am a massive train enthusiast and I have wanted to work in the industry since a young boy. Does anyone know of any TOCs in the north that would take on 16 year old as either station staff or apprentise conductor?

 

[ComUtoR]

Why not "cleaning" ?

I'm not sure if your aware but there are many levels of cleaning and the guys who do our Train Presentation are pretty good and do things like Graffiti removal. They are depot based so are on trains and have access that any enthusiast would envy.

 

[bb21]

I would have thought that at 16, it is far more important that you concentrate on your studies, and look at this question again when you are 18 or thereabouts. Even if you were to go for an apprenticeship (which still exists in some areas of railway operation such as engineering iirc), you would stand a much better chance with better qualifications.

I don't mean to knock you, but railway jobs at the moment are very popular, so you have to consider what your strengths are. At 16, probably not a lot.

I don't know whether any TOC still offers work placements, but it is worth asking around. A work placement will allow you to have a taste for what it really is like working in the industry, without really having to commit to it.

 

[markymark2000]

I would have thought that at 16, it is far more important that you concentrate on your studies, and look at this question again when you are 18 or thereabouts. Even if you were to go for an apprenticeship (which still exists in some areas of railway operation such as engineering iirc), you would stand a much better chance with better qualifications.

I finish school in May then I need a job urgently. I am getting C grades but I need to get into the industry. I am not going to college unless it is part of an apprentiship. I cant see any for conducting ect on any TOCs websites so I was hoping someone here would know about some that are not really advertised.

 

[221129]

I finish school in May then I need a job urgently. I am getting C grades but I need to get into the industry. I am not going to college unless it is part of an apprentiship. I cant see any for conducting ect on any TOCs websites so I was hoping someone here would know about some that are not really advertised.

You won't be allowed to do anything safety critical until at least 18. So barrier or ticket office staff if you won't do cleaning is pretty much all that is left unless the TOC does an apprenticeship although I'm not sure whether any northern TOCs do.

 

[GB]

To work any kind of safety critical role (dispatch, driver, shunter, conductor, signaller etc etc) you have to be at least 18. There may also be working restrictions on nights if your 16-18.


If your set on not doing any kind of further education (non apprentice) you would do best to get a job in the customer service industry in my opinion and then look again when you are 18.

 

[ComUtoR]

So barrier or ticket office staff if you won't do cleaning is pretty much all that is left unless the TOC does an apprenticeship although I'm not sure whether any northern TOCs do.

Our Platform/Dispatch staff and Gateline all do cleaning. It is a core part of their jobs to keep the station tidy. That includes cleaning up puke from the drunken revellers and they keep the toilets clean too.

Our station staff do pretty much all of the station cleaning. They mop, brush and wipe all day.

Why do you "need" to get into the industry ?

 

[221129]

Our Platform/Dispatch staff and Gateline all do cleaning. It is a core part of their jobs to keep the station tidy. That includes cleaning up puke from the drunken revellers and they keep the toilets clean too.

Our station staff do pretty much all of the station cleaning. They mop, brush and wipe all day.

Why do you "need" to get into the industry ?

Ah fair enough, I know down our way they don't but as with everything it will vary by TOC.

 

[LowLevel]

Don't knock cleaning. It's a big part of having pride in things and most grades you will end up doing some sort of cleaning and tidying. I'm a conductor and I constantly tidy the train as I go up and down. It really makes a big difference. I'm afraid the job involves wading through flooded toilets, vomit and things on a regular basis too - operational railway jobs are not the best to do if you can't handle a bit of disgusting mess from time to time. I've had to deal with everything from human waste flooding out from under a toilet door to vomit up my cab door to people bleeding all over the place.

 

[red2005]

Forgive me If I sound blunt mate but you're 16!......multiple choices In terms of getting a job on the railway at 16 Is something you simply don't have so If you are the enthusiast that you say you are I certainly wouldn't rule out the cleaning work. Everyone has their own path don't get me wrong but a way in is a way in!

As someone said earlier don't give the cleaning grade a disservice, they are a really important part of the industry and I know a few people that have gone on to work In other good roles having started off in the cleaning grade and SOME are actually happy in the grade and don't have any desire to leave.

ambition Is good mate but don't run before you can walk.

 

[tlionhart]

Mate of mine started out as a cleaner for 3 and a bit years. He is now a gaurd. When your 16 your limited to what you can do anywhere...so a start is a start. Also there are job roles in the contracted sector at stations too. Such as lost property, shops and coffee stores. Doesn't sound like much but it will get you customer service backing. Something at 16 you need. Surprisingly cleaners also interact with customers. Could be simply dealing with customers questions whilst your waiting for a train to arrive that needs to have a quick clean before its trip back out.
You may also be even limited further as some TOCs require you to drive to the depot or station you will work from. (Late finishes, etc)
Cleaning roles aren't for everyone, understandably. But certainly look at a customer service role outside the railway and build your CV from that

 

[Jonfun]

Our service centre (catering stores) guys have been known to be taken on at 16. It isn't impossible - but it is difficult. Good luck.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Also, if you don't already, volunteer on a heritage railway. It won't get you into the railway alone, but provided you take it seriously, it will get you good experience, whilst still giving you your train enthusiasm fix. I can honestly say after two years of working on the "big railway", and eight on a heritage line, any interest in trains themselves I once had has been beaten out of me - so bear in mind that the same might happen to you. Good heritage railway experience would be working as a booking clerk, or on train ticket inspector, where you'd learn about customer service, cash handling, thinking on your feet and using discretion etc, or station staff, where you'd learn about working to rules and procedures (eg train dispatch), customer service, awareness of disabled visitors etc.

A lot of my experience came from my heritage railway volunteering - though you do have to take a structured approach to it. Turning up once a month to clean a steam train is unlikely to get you much in the way of experiences to talk about at interview.

 

[CatfordCat]

I have seen TOCs advertising for operational apprentices (seems to lead initially towards station work but presume there's then possibilities to move into train crew roles) but I've only noticed them in the south east (but then I have not had any reason to look for job vacancies in the north west)

Network Rail almost certainly have apprentice schemes, although these are probably more for engineering / technical sorts of role which may not be what you're after.

As others have said, there are restrictions on under 18s working in safety critical roles and some restrictions on under 18's in shift working (not exactly sure what the restrictions are) so I'm fairly sure that TOCs won't consider train crew who are under 18.

Where there is an apprentice scheme, it's usually something where organisations recruit once or twice a year, rather than an ongoing thing, so it will be worth trying to find out when this happens.

Obviously, keep an eye on local TOC websites.

May be worth an e-mail to local TOCs to ask.

May also be worth asking your school / college / local authority careers advisor / service (I assume such things still exist) if they know anything.

 

[stevehw]

200 apprentices required by Network Rail.
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/news/2015/jan/Wanted-200-talented-apprentices/

 

[red2005]

I have seen TOCs advertising for operational apprentices (seems to lead initially towards station work but presume there's then possibilities to move into train crew roles) but I've only noticed them in the south east (but then I have not had any reason to look for job vacancies in the north west)

Network Rail almost certainly have apprentice schemes, although these are probably more for engineering / technical sorts of role which may not be what you're after.

As others have said, there are restrictions on under 18s working in safety critical roles and some restrictions on under 18's in shift working (not exactly sure what the restrictions are) so I'm fairly sure that TOCs won't consider train crew who are under 18.

Where there is an apprentice scheme, it's usually something where organisations recruit once or twice a year, rather than an ongoing thing, so it will be worth trying to find out when this happens.

Obviously, keep an eye on local TOC websites.

May be worth an e-mail to local TOCs to ask.

May also be worth asking your school / college / local authority careers advisor / service (I assume such things still exist) if they know anything.

No insult intended but I think the fact at 16 you're still technically a child has something to do with It not to mention the companies Insurance would probably prevent them from employing anyone under 18 in safety critical roles and rightly so!

 

[Jonfun]

...and rightly so!

None of your post came across insulting until that last comment. An under 18 can dispatch an 8 coach slam door train on a heritage railway with no CDL or interlock but can't do so for a 2 car 142 on the mainline ...and rightly so?

I don't disagree with the comment about insurance not allowing it but please don't pretend train dispatch is a difficult job. It is a *responsible* job, perhaps at times a *stressful* job, but not difficult. It requires a certain skillset, which you may or may not possess whether you are 16, 21, or 55.

 

[red2005]

None of your post came across insulting until that last comment. An under 18 can dispatch an 8 coach slam door train on a heritage railway with no CDL or interlock but can't do so for a 2 car 142 on the mainline ...and rightly so?

I don't disagree with the comment about insurance not allowing it but please don't pretend train dispatch is a difficult job. It is a *responsible* job, perhaps at times a *stressful* job, but not difficult. It requires a certain skillset, which you may or may not possess whether you are 16, 21, or 55.

Yes In my opinion rightly so!......I never once said that train dispatch was difficult but on that token It really does depend on how you define difficult? yes the physical act of seeing a train leave the platform may not be physically taxing but It's not always about the physical side is it.

I am sure many dispatchers on here will tell you that It is extremely difficult to dispatch a train at 3pm when you have been on duty since 5am when fatigue makes concentration somewhat tricky and you are dispatching your 15th train of the day. And that Isn't even mentioning the distractions that can occur such as queries whilst dispatching or drunken football supporters or Saturday night revelers.

For the record though I'm not pretending It's a difficult job I KNOW! It Is a VERY difficult job and having spent nearly 8 years on the railway as a guard and driver the chances are I have spent a lot more time that yourself working alongside dispatchers than you have yourself. The fact that you have basically dismissed out of hand the difficulty behind such a safety critical role screams out at me that you are In no way shape or form ready to be let anywhere near such a role never mind driving!

Driving trains where we apparently sit on our backsides pressing buttons all day doesn't sound difficult either does it? the stress is there (like dispatchers), the responsibility is there (like dispatchers) as you say but do you think our job Is easy as well? are you aware that dispatchers have to adhere to MANY of the same rules and regulations as that of drivers and guards?

You keep bringing up this heritage railway malarkey and I've gotta say that your reliance on your railway enthusiast background as well as your ignorance towards roles you have very little knowledge about Is going to be your downfall. Do you realise If you went Into an Interview for anything safety critical age 16 or 66 you'd be laughed out the door with an approach like that In your post?

The fact that you have also attempted to highlight maturity levels at certain ages within your post whilst at the same time showing quite a lot of immaturity yourself Is something I don't know whether to laugh at,cringe at or just simply tell myself It's a 16 year old posting. ( I apologise to the mature 16 year old's out there)

Like I say this Is just purely my opinion and I am not naive enough to think that people OVER 16 are automatically right for the job also on account of their age. Yes there are certain skillsets Involved but so many more than that of just responsibility and dealing with stress that you mentioned!......have you ever had to juggle railway shifts before as well as keep a healthy family life at home? have you ever had to work In an environment where knowing your every move Is heavily scrutinised not just by your employers but the public also? have you ever worked In an environment where someone else's stupidity can have you up on offer? and all that is DAILY!

Call me ageist call me what you wan't but I know as a driver I feel a lot more confident knowing the person dispatching me has a bit of life experience behind them and has a bit of respect for the job they are doing and knows how Important It Is. With your attitude towards the grade I simply wouldn't move the train I'm sorry to say, and I'm also sorry to say there's more chance of me becoming the next pope than there Is of you getting a safety critical role with your approach.

 

[LowLevel]

Having dispatched everything from single 153s to 12 car slam door sets as a guard and dispatcher it's a job that's mostly difficult when things go wrong. I'm not entirely sure a 16 year old would necessarily have the presence to sort things out and keep it together when it got really tricky - HSTs on a Saturday night with drunks and footballists were bad but so was the morning rush hour with businessfolk chucking themselves at trains left right and centre. Having dispatched 50-70 trains by the end of a long shift you certainly knew about the concentration issue. That said at the heritage line I have a bit to do with 18 is the minimum for qualified dispatcher anyway. Things like doors on the catch etc seem to be a lot less seriously treated on heritage lines as well whereas they're likely to lead to a suspension on the national network.

It doesn't require the intellect of Albert Einstein but it requires a lot of presence of mind, a calm head and experience of dealing with tricky situations.

 

[MichaelAMW]

Yes In my opinion rightly so!......I never once said that train dispatch was difficult but on that token It really does depend on how you define difficult? yes the physical act of seeing a train leave the platform may not be physically taxing but It's not always about the physical side is it.

I am sure many dispatchers on here will tell you that It is extremely difficult to dispatch a train at 3pm when you have been on duty since 5am when fatigue makes concentration somewhat tricky and you are dispatching your 15th train of the day. And that Isn't even mentioning the distractions that can occur such as queries whilst dispatching or drunken football supporters or Saturday night revelers.

For the record though I'm not pretending It's a difficult job I KNOW! It Is a VERY difficult job and having spent nearly 8 years on the railway as a guard and driver the chances are I have spent a lot more time that yourself working alongside dispatchers than you have yourself. The fact that you have basically dismissed out of hand the difficulty behind such a safety critical role screams out at me that you are In no way shape or form ready to be let anywhere near such a role never mind driving!

Driving trains where we apparently sit on our backsides pressing buttons all day doesn't sound difficult either does it? the stress is there (like dispatchers), the responsibility is there (like dispatchers) as you say but do you think our job Is easy as well? are you aware that dispatchers have to adhere to MANY of the same rules and regulations as that of drivers and guards?

You keep bringing up this heritage railway malarkey and I've gotta say that your reliance on your railway enthusiast background as well as your ignorance towards roles you have very little knowledge about Is going to be your downfall. Do you realise If you went Into an Interview for anything safety critical age 16 or 66 you'd be laughed out the door with an approach like that In your post?

The fact that you have also attempted to highlight maturity levels at certain ages within your post whilst at the same time showing quite a lot of immaturity yourself Is something I don't know whether to laugh at,cringe at or just simply tell myself It's a 16 year old posting. ( I apologise to the mature 16 year old's out there)

Like I say this Is just purely my opinion and I am not naive enough to think that people OVER 16 are automatically right for the job also on account of their age. Yes there are certain skillsets Involved but so many more than that of just responsibility and dealing with stress that you mentioned!......have you ever had to juggle railway shifts before as well as keep a healthy family life at home? have you ever had to work In an environment where knowing your every move Is heavily scrutinised not just by your employers but the public also? have you ever worked In an environment where someone else's stupidity can have you up on offer? and all that is DAILY!

Call me ageist call me what you wan't but I know as a driver I feel a lot more confident knowing the person dispatching me has a bit of life experience behind them and has a bit of respect for the job they are doing and knows how Important It Is. With your attitude towards the grade I simply wouldn't move the train I'm sorry to say, and I'm also sorry to say there's more chance of me becoming the next pope than there Is of you getting a safety critical role with your approach.

I should wind your neck in, take the chip of your shoulder and take note of the fact that you were not there replying to the OP - although you have been wonderfully insulting to him in the process.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Having dispatched everything from single 153s to 12 car slam door sets as a guard and dispatcher it's a job that's mostly difficult when things go wrong. I'm not entirely sure a 16 year old would necessarily have the presence to sort things out and keep it together when it got really tricky - HSTs on a Saturday night with drunks and footballists were bad but so was the morning rush hour with businessfolk chucking themselves at trains left right and centre. Having dispatched 50-70 trains by the end of a long shift you certainly knew about the concentration issue. That said at the heritage line I have a bit to do with 18 is the minimum for qualified dispatcher anyway. Things like doors on the catch etc seem to be a lot less seriously treated on heritage lines as well whereas they're likely to lead to a suspension on the national network.

It doesn't require the intellect of Albert Einstein but it requires a lot of presence of mind, a calm head and experience of dealing with tricky situations.

This seems to be a more useful reply.

 

[red2005]

Having dispatched everything from single 153s to 12 car slam door sets as a guard and dispatcher it's a job that's mostly difficult when things go wrong. I'm not entirely sure a 16 year old would necessarily have the presence to sort things out and keep it together when it got really tricky - HSTs on a Saturday night with drunks and footballists were bad but so was the morning rush hour with businessfolk chucking themselves at trains left right and centre. Having dispatched 50-70 trains by the end of a long shift you certainly knew about the concentration issue. That said at the heritage line I have a bit to do with 18 is the minimum for qualified dispatcher anyway. Things like doors on the catch etc seem to be a lot less seriously treated on heritage lines as well whereas they're likely to lead to a suspension on the national network.

It doesn't require the intellect of Albert Einstein but it requires a lot of presence of mind, a calm head and experience of dealing with tricky situations.

I agree! there are a lot of jobs out there that are not physically taxing or do not require the brains of Britain however when you are bringing a safety critical element into It what you DO need Is common sense and that only comes with life experience. I thought It seemed strange a 16 year old dispatching on a heritage railway? I'd of thought their premiums insurance wise would be higher than that of a TOC.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I should wind your neck in, take the chip of your shoulder and take note of the fact that you were not there replying to the OP - although you have been wonderfully insulting to him in the process.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


This seems to be a more useful reply.

Absolutely no chip on my shoulder whatsoever thank you very much and there's no way I will "wind my neck in " just because you say so. This Is an opinion based forum and I read his and gave mine. If you don't like opinions maybe forums aren't for you?

 

[MichaelAMW]

I agree! there are a lot of jobs out there that are not physically taxing or do not require the brains of Britain however when you are bringing a safety critical element into It what you DO need Is common sense and that only comes with life experience. I thought It seemed strange a 16 year old dispatching on a heritage railway? I'd of thought their premiums insurance wise would be higher than that of a TOC.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Absolutely no chip on my shoulder whatsoever thank you very much and there's no way I will "wind my neck in " just because you say so. This Is an opinion based forum and I read his and gave mine. If you don't like opinions maybe forums aren't for you?

The chip was in reference to your very negative attitude towards young people - I am not suggesting that the more substantive points about maturity etc are not well made - and the winding of the neck was in reference to your impulsive reaction that appeared to cause you to miss my principal point, which is that you were not replying to the OP.

 

[red2005]

The chip was in reference to your very negative attitude towards young people - I am not suggesting that the more substantive points about maturity etc are not well made - and the winding of the neck was in reference to your impulsive reaction that appeared to cause you to miss my principal point, which is that you were not replying to the OP.

If you'd opened your eyes and looked at the post you will see I have said that I am sure not all 16 year old's are the same and actually apologised to the more mature 16 year olds out there!

And yes I see the mistake I made there and I do apologise. Especially to the "OP" Which i assume stands for original poster?

 

[bb21]

Can we leave out the bickering and move on please?

I don't think anyone intended any offence, but words on a screen don't always come across the way they are intended.

 

[G136GREYHOUND]

I wouldn't want a 16 year old dispatching my train !

Everyone on the railway is a railwayman, if they clean the bogs or are the head of a TOC, never, ever look down on anyone else's job on the railway because with one balls up, you can very soon find yourself doing that job you looked down on, alongside the person to whom you displayed a superior attitude !

If you are 16 and want a railway job, go for it, try it, but remember if you get one, you can kiss your ass goodbye to all the things that I would have hated to have missed at 16-20 such as wild nights out, house party and university orgies etc., etc., etc., !

What you will get as a railway job at 16 is very limited in scope though, so you will have to take what you get and look across the entire railway spectrum.

If you REALLY, REALLY want a railway job at the earliest possible age, then my plan, If I were you would be :

Get a retail or warehouse job now, Join the RAF, the Navy or the Army as soon as you can when you reach recruitment age, spend 3 years doing that gaining as many trade skills as possible

Then start applying for railway jobs

 

[red2005]

I wouldn't want a 16 year old dispatching my train !

Everyone on the railway is a railwayman, if they clean the bogs or are the head of a TOC, never, ever look down on anyone else's job on the railway because with one balls up, you can very soon find yourself doing that job you looked down on, alongside the person to whom you displayed a superior attitude !

If you are 16 and want a railway job, go for it, try it, but remember if you get one, you can kiss your ass goodbye to all the things that I would have hated to have missed at 16-20 such as wild nights out, house party and university orgies etc., etc., etc., !

What you will get as a railway job at 16 is very limited in scope though, so you will have to take what you get and look across the entire railway spectrum.

If you REALLY, REALLY want a railway job at the earliest possible age, then my plan, If I were you would be :

Get a retail or warehouse job now, Join the RAF, the Navy or the Army as soon as you can when you reach recruitment age, spend 3 years doing that gaining as many trade skills as possible

Then start applying for railway jobs

This Is spot on!...........Every role on the railway Is Important..........I bet you wouldn't see RAF pilots slating the roles that are perceived by some to be lesser grades simply because they wouldn't get off the ground without them.

Fact Is someone has to do these job's that SOME find degrading and they deserve a lot of respect for doing so and the fact that some of these guys find It enjoyable and do it to the best of their ability Is certainly noticed by management.

It's not the job you do that matters it's your attitude whilst you are doing It that's Important.

 

[leomartin125]

I'm 17 buddy and in College at the moment, and I would love to become a train driver for GWR once electrification is finished in 2019 (coincidentally when I'm 21 and old enough to apply) and I'm going to go for an apprenticeship with GWR as my entrance into the railway careers. Much higher chance of getting a job than going straight in off the street like you sound like you are. Ultimately, the decision is yours but I advise looking into TOC Apprenticeship schemes, they are perfect for people looking for careers in the industry like you and me.

 

[G136GREYHOUND]

I'm 17 buddy and in College at the moment, and I would love to become a train driver for GWR once electrification is finished in 2019 (coincidentally when I'm 21 and old enough to apply) and I'm going to go for an apprenticeship with GWR as my entrance into the railway careers. Much higher chance of getting a job than going straight in off the street like you sound like you are. Ultimately, the decision is yours but I advise looking into TOC Apprenticeship schemes, they are perfect for people looking for careers in the industry like you and me.

Sound advice, but I suspect you'll be past 21 when electrification is complete.

 

[168lover]

I'm 16 as well. I'm planning when I leave school to go into an ICT BTEC or Travel and Tourism BTEC for 2 years before applying for an apprenticeship with a TOC or FOC. I volunteer at a heritage railway (I have done since August 2014) and find this to be a great way to gain knowledge. For the past year and a half I have been a train steward checking tickets, working the trolley, serving cream teas etc. Even though this is not what I want to be doing in the future on railways I have found that I have learned so much about how a railway runs. Next week I am starting to train as a Crossing keeper and this will mean that I can extend my knowledge even further. So I suggest waiting for two years and in the mean time volunteer at a heritage railway. Also through doing college for two years you will have something to fall back on if the railway career doesn't work out for any reason.

 

[red2005]

I'm 16 as well. I'm planning when I leave school to go into an ICT BTEC or Travel and Tourism BTEC for 2 years before applying for an apprenticeship with a TOC or FOC. I volunteer at a heritage railway (I have done since August 2014) and find this to be a great way to gain knowledge. For the past year and a half I have been a train steward checking tickets, working the trolley, serving cream teas etc. Even though this is not what I want to be doing in the future on railways I have found that I have learned so much about how a railway runs. Next week I am starting to train as a Crossing keeper and this will mean that I can extend my knowledge even further. So I suggest waiting for two years and in the mean time volunteer at a heritage railway. Also through doing college for two years you will have something to fall back on if the railway career doesn't work out for any reason.

well done mate!.....It will all stand you In good stead.keep up those levels of enthusiasm and flexibility and you will have no worries!

the more you have under your belt the better,the railway likes to see people who like to learn new things good luck.

 

[E&W Lucas]

I am a 16 year old and I am looking for any sort of railway job with the exception of cleaning. I am a massive train enthusiast and I have wanted to work in the industry since a young boy. Does anyone know of any TOCs in the north that would take on 16 year old as either station staff or apprentise conductor?

I've interviewed a lot of school leavers for jobs in my former career. You're giving the impression that you don't want to get your hands dirty. That will not want to go down well. You're only in the market for entry level operative jobs, and that's going to mean muck. If you don't like muck, avoid the railway, as it is an open sewer!
Also, be clear on what a job is actually going to involve. "I like trains" isn't going to get you very far.
Research roles too. Apprentice conductor does not exist.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

If you are 16 and want a railway job, go for it, try it, but remember if you get one, you can kiss your ass goodbye to all the things that I would have hated to have missed at 16-20 such as wild nights out, house party and university orgies etc., etc., etc., !

What you will get as a railway job at 16 is very limited in scope though, so you will have to take what you get and look across the entire railway spectrum.

If you REALLY, REALLY want a railway job at the earliest possible age, then my plan, If I were you would be :

Get a retail or warehouse job now, Join the RAF, the Navy or the Army as soon as you can when you reach recruitment age, spend 3 years doing that gaining as many trade skills as possible

Then start applying for railway jobs

Totally agree. Retail, fast food, etc. will give bright young things responsibility very quickly. The skills will transfer to railway selection processes. Following procedures, individual responsibility, handling emergencies, working safely, shifts, etc. Railway - realistically 18+
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I'm 16 as well. I'm planning when I leave school to go into an ICT BTEC or Travel and Tourism BTEC for 2 years before applying for an apprenticeship with a TOC or FOC. I volunteer at a heritage railway (I have done since August 2014) and find this to be a great way to gain knowledge. For the past year and a half I have been a train steward checking tickets, working the trolley, serving cream teas etc. Even though this is not what I want to be doing in the future on railways I have found that I have learned so much about how a railway runs. Next week I am starting to train as a Crossing keeper and this will mean that I can extend my knowledge even further. So I suggest waiting for two years and in the mean time volunteer at a heritage railway. Also through doing college for two years you will have something to fall back on if the railway career doesn't work out for any reason.

Nice one, really positive, but be careful that you don't come across as thinking that you already know how to do a railway job. Emphasise the transferable skills, like customer facing, cash handling, working to Rules, etc.

Good luck to all of you.